Storm Strength & Fitness is a sports performance gym that specializes in small group training for middle-school, high-school & collegiate athletes as well as active adults. We also feature team training, private training & basic gym memberships.

About Us

Storm Strength & Fitness is a sports performance gym that offers core programs designed for middle school, high school and collegiate or professional athletes as well as active adults. Training is performance-based and is organized in small groups for more individual attention. We offer seasonal or customized programs for youth athletes and teams and monthly memberships for adults 18+ for our basic gym or adult group training. Storm Strength & Fitness first opened in Wilmington, NC in 2014 and in January 2016, we moved to our current downtown location on Princess Street, close to New Hanover High School.

Our Staff

Chris Virta - Owner and Center Director

Chris Virta founded Storm Strength & Fitness with the motivation to provide athletes and active adults with a means to properly develop athletically through specific training with qualified coaches at a state-of-the-art facility. He actively promotes the benefits of a properly designed strength and conditioning program to aspiring athletes and coaches throughout New Hanover and Brunswick Counties. As the Owner and Center Director, Chris manages the growth, business development, and joint ventures at Storm Strength & Fitness while helping to maintain the unique culture that has come to represent Storm Strength & Fitness and its clients.

With more than 15 years of experience as an athlete, strength and conditioning coach and business owner, Chris possesses a unique perspective on the growing needs of today's athletes and active adults. Prior to moving back to Wilmington, NC, Chris owned and operated two Sports Performance facilities in the Central Florida area where he worked with athletes of all ages and all sports. He was also on the coaching staff for the Lake Mary High School men's lacrosse team, one of the top programs in the State of Florida.

Currently, Chris is the Head Coach for the New Hanover Girls' Varsity Lacrosse Team and one of the Founders of the Port City Storm Girls' Lacrosse Program. He is a very active member in the community and is on the Wilmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.